Feds To Update Public on Mishap at Nuke Dump

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Energy is planning a town hall to release more information on its efforts to recover from a radiation leak at the nation's only underground nuclear waste dump.

Residents from throughout the Carlsbad area are expected to attend Thursday's meeting.

Questions about what caused the leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, the extent of the contamination and the future of the federal government's national nuclear cleanup efforts have been swirling for weeks.

WIPP stopped taking shipments in early February when a truck hauling salt through the underground mine caught fire.

Nine days later, sensors alerted to a release of radiation. At least 13 workers were exposed, but officials have said there's no public health threat.

Watchdog groups have questioned whether officials are holding back information.